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Meeting Katie Lyons: redefining “simple luxury” with a Provençal twist
Meeting Katie Lyons: redefining “simple luxury” with a Provençal twist
Meet the British interior designer who is far from finished redecorating Provence.
Portrait of Katie Lyons, interior designer and owner of Number 5 and La Miette. © Helen Cathcart
Katie, could you introduce yourself and tell us about the creation of Katie Lyons Interiors?
Katie: My background is in photography, and I spent years working as a photo editor and art director for a publishing house and Getty Images. Interior design has always been a deep passion of mine, and when I moved from the UK to France, I had the chance to completely renovate our home. It was an experience I loved, and it allowed me to dive fully into my love for historic Provençal properties.
This led to the design of our beautiful homes in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Eventually, Katie Lyons Interiors was born, thanks to requests from clients who stayed in these properties and wanted the same timeless style in their own homes.
The living room of La Miette in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. © Helen Cathcart
What are your sources of inspiration when envisioning a new interior?
How would you describe the styles and atmospheres of La Miette and Number 5?
Katie: Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me; I love mixing different styles, and incorporating elements from various places I’ve visited into my designs. Nature also plays a big role, particularly when it comes to colors and textures. I often look to nature’s palettes to create soft, inviting spaces that feel both organic and serene.
Katie: I aim to create spaces that are welcoming, tranquil, and in harmony with the era of the building. This approach offers a sense of what it might have been like to live in that time while still enjoying modern comforts. Timelessness is key for me; I want my designs to endure. I draw a lot of inspiration from historical buildings, spaces, and gardens. I especially love discovering old objects, lights, and furniture at flea markets and incorporating them into my designs to add character and depth.
In your opinion (and your guests’!), what makes La Miette and Number 5 the perfect holiday homes?
Katie: Staying in one of our properties in Saint-Paul-de-Vence offers an escape from the pressures of modern life, all within a beautifully renovated 16th-century historic home. We’ve carefully preserved the original features while integrating natural materials and modern amenities. This way, you can enjoy the charm of the village once the tourists have gone, and savor a slower pace of life in a space that combines comfort and luxury.
The perfect dining room at Number 5 to enjoy Provençal specialties. © Helen Cathcart
What does “simple luxury” mean to you?
What have you learned from designing rental homes?
Katie: Simple luxury is at the heart of my design philosophy. When you travel, it’s essential to have an experience that goes beyond the ordinary—a space that transports you to a different time, allowing you to imagine life in a simpler era, yet still providing the modern comforts you expect. To me, simple luxury is about creating timeless, high-quality, and comfortable environments that make you feel truly at home.
Katie: It’s essential to create an amazing experience for guests, providing them with a space that’s different from what they have in their daily lives. Staging the property is a big part of that…
The bathroom of Number 5. © Helen Cathcart
What are your aspirations for creating more spaces or hosting guests in the future?
Katie: I’m currently working on an exciting project where I aim to take everything I’ve accomplished with La Miette and Number 5 to the next level, offering guests an even more authentic experience centered on “simple luxury” and an overall sense of well-being.
This time, I’m focusing on other senses, such as smell and touch, by sourcing luxurious fabrics for bedding and towels, and developing my own line of unique, natural soaps, oils, and fragrances. Additionally, I’ll be creating a Roman-style spa where guests can unwind, adding a thrilling new dimension to the experience.
Interviews conducted in July 2024.
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